[Benh]

Originally Posted by SlowOne

There is nothing quite so sure of their own invincibility as the young. You need to remember that if you haven't personally experienced something, you can't possibly understand it. As you are not old, you don't know...

I'll assume, that you aren't making assumptions here.

But messing around with dischargers, preparing cells for hours. This is incredibly time consuming. This was to obtain more power than you had with a standard product, or to gain a personal advantage. But then that didn't last long, because everyone then started doing it. This doesn't have to be the case now - Saving time and money.

Originally Posted by SlowOne

and your almost unbelievable arrogance in assuming we don't is beyond decent standards of behaviour. The world doesn't revolve around you...

You're right it does not. Which is why I have put forward an argument that does not benefit me directly in the short term. I am working very hard to try and encourage new people into this hobby in the local area, and investing a lot of my own time and money to help make this happen. I have no commercial interest and will never expect to see a return on it. I am putting an argument forward based on these opinions I have experienced.

Originally Posted by SlowOne

can you show me any sport, hobby or business where it is? No. ............... it's never been level on anything, and better people than you and me have tried. LiPo is not a leveller, it is a divider - it divides those who can afford to convert from those who can't.

I agree no sport is equal. When I say make it easier, I meant make it easier to get into. As for levelling the field, only in terms of what each individual can achieve without spending hours and hours on it and money on it. NiMh - Equalisers, dischargers, seperate cell chargers etc etc. If a noob uses NiMh -especially second hand ones, the difference in power from different packs is incredible. Therefore how do you build consistency in what you do on the controls to how the car behaves. Allowing them consistency on power will get them to the next stage quicker, set ups and developing driving skill.

Originally Posted by SlowOne

My fear is this - LiPo is a transient technology waiting for A123, Lithium and other battery technologies to mature. As far as car manufacturers and portable electronics are concerned, it is a dead technology - their money is going into these other technologies for development. You are making people invest in something that in three years time will be obsolete. If I had to throw a couple of hundred pounds at my hobby again, I'd be pissed off, not having any fun.

Valid point - The lifespan of a technology. However, you have stated 3 years.
1 - Add up what you spend on NiMh in one year. Add up what you have to do to keep those things matched and competitive.
Either your not competitive and have no intention of being – which means this entire argument is pointless to you - Or, you're spending in one year what you would spend on LiPo’s in 3.
2 – LiPo Charger and Balancer - £70-80. Divide by 3. £25.00 per year lost – If the equipment had absolutely no resale value.

Originally Posted by SlowOne

While you put me down as a Cantankerous Old Timer,

It was a "simile".

And as for me making them invest? Really? I have that much power? No, I didn't think so. People are making their own minds up. Every person at our club who competes in the regional and intends to do next years regionals have converted to LiPo. Newcomers are buying LiPo. If LiPo is not approved - The dwindling regional numbers will lose about another 33% of its numbers. (EDIT - For our region EoE)

Originally Posted by SlowOne

I'll put you down as an Arrogant Young Ignoramus.

The great thing about this is that it’s your opinion. I can’t argue with a personal opinion.

What I can argue is that I have rattled your cage and this was unintentional. My main argument is with Jonathon. Not him personally, I have nothing against him personally, always very friendly and very helpful.

But he is the “influential son” and in many cases the voice of our regional rep.

Opening line of the BRCA mission statement:
“The BRCA exist to promote the construction and racing of radio controlled cars”

Originally Posted by SlowOne

My deep joy in this situation is that you cannot learn what I know - you will just have to wait until you are older - no matter how hard you try; age and treachery will always outwit youth and exuberance! When you get off your high horse and make this hobby inclusive of everyone, I'll get off mine.

I am not naive to think that this hobby can be all inclusive. But I do believe it can be less obstructive.